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The 2014 Mazda 6 will be offered in the US with a clean diesel engine. Photo by Mazda

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2014 Mazda 6 made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and finally, the company announced a 2.2-liter Skyactiv diesel engine will be an option on U.S. market cars starting in the second half of 2013.

The Mazda 6 will offer a 2.5-liter Skyactiv gasoline engine when it goes on sale in January 2013.

We drove the European-spec Mazda 6 back in October and were impressed with the power of the new gasoline engine and nearly fell in love with the diesel. The 2.5-liter delivers 184 hp while the diesel powerplant delivers 310 lb-ft of torque in its high-power European tune—North American numbers haven't yet been released.

A six-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual are both offered, but the diesel will likely be automatic-only.

The Mazda 6 is influenced by the Takeri concept and uses the company's Kodo design language highlighted by its elongated hood and side character lines.

Standard features on the new Mazda 6 include LED lights and bolstered seats. Tom-Tom will handle the navigation system while Pandora, Bluetooth and text-message audio delivery will also be available.

A new safety system named Smart City Brake Support will also be offered. The system is designed to assist drivers in avoiding frontal crashes when traveling at 20 mph or less. A laser sensor detects objects and reduces brake travel. If the driver doesn't react to an obstacle, it will automatically hit the brakes.

The Mazda 6 will be the first production car to have i-ELOOP, which regenerates energy from the braking system. Unlike other setups, it uses a capacitor-based system, which provides power to all the electrical components. It also avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery, which saves weight.

Mazda notes that in real-world driving conditions that feature frequent accelerating and braking, i-ELOOP is expected to improve overall economy, but is dependent on driving habits and road conditions.

Fuel mileage for the two engines is expected closer to the car's on-sale date.

The 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show takes place Nov. 28 through Dec. 9. In keeping with the Southern California lifestyle, the LA auto show is usually a showcase for green cars, hybrid vehicles and electric transportation. But sports cars – especially convertibles – also command the spotlight. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show here.